Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is offering an array of valuable initiatives that have a significant role in fostering a positive and motivating working environment for drivers of public buses. Besides serving bus drivers, these initiatives enhance the image of RTA in the public eye and contribute to the strategy of bringing happiness to employees. 

Detailing these multi-faceted initiatives, Abdullah Al Meer, Director of Drivers Affairs, Public Transport Agency, said, “Initiatives run for bus drivers cover several aspects, the first of which is training. RTA uses the latest smart technologies and world-class modules in training public bus drivers to hone their professional skills and abilities to deal with riders. The second aspect is motivation. RTA has set up a star-rating system to reward excellent bus drivers comprising of 3, 4 and 5 stars. It encourages drivers to avoid malpractices and make them more engaged. Monthly bonuses are paid to compliant drivers on a pro-rata basis. The policy enhances the competitiveness and compliance of drivers as well as the excellent operation, which will reflect on customer’s happiness.”

“The third aspect is sport. RTA cares very much for the provision of sports facilities of drivers and has recently opened a modern playground in their accommodation. Sports practices keep drivers healthy, eases their work pressure and makes them more focused on excellent performance. The fourth aspect is events. RTA runs year-round sports, cultural and religious events for bus drivers. Engaging drivers in various religious and national events promotes their loyalty besides entertaining them,” he added. 

The fifth and final aspect is accommodation. RTA has completed the second phase of drivers’ accommodation at Jebel Ali with a capacity for hosting 500 drivers, over and above the first phase for accommodating 250 drivers. Accommodating drivers near their workplaces enables them to have sufficient breaks during shifts and saves them the hassles of commuting to their work place and back.

“These initiatives nurture an inspiring work environment marked by high-class services and benefits to bus drivers who are ambassadors of RTA to the public,” concluded the Director of Drivers Affairs, Public Transport Agency.